26/01/2014  Shatin  Race 10

From the outside barrier, FIONN’S TREASURE was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. SMART MAN was also taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Despite being ridden along in the early stages, GREEN ZONE failed to muster speed and shortly after the start bumped the hindquarters of METALLIC STAR when awkwardly placed inside the heels of GOOD WORDS. At the 400 Metres, HARD BALL GET was shifted to the outside of GOOD WORDS when disappointed for running to the inside of that horse. Near the 350 Metres, METALLIC STAR was steadied when disappointed for running between TAI SING YEH and HARD BALL GET which got its head on the side and shifted out when awkwardly placed close to the heels of GOOD WORDS. HARD BALL GET was then unable to obtain clear running until after the 300 Metres. METALLIC STAR and SMART MAN had some difficulty obtaining clear running approaching and passing the 200 Metres. After the 100 Metres, SMART MAN and METALLIC STAR, both of which were closing off the race strongly, improved simultaneously into running between CAPE CANAVERAL and HAPPY ERA where there was insufficient room for two horses. This resulted in both SMART MAN and METALLIC STAR being severely checked when unable to continue to improve between CAPE CANAVERAL and HAPPY ERA which shifted in marginally. The incident was accentuated when CAPE CANAVERAL shifted out after being bumped on the hindquarters by SMART MAN. Whilst the incident was one of some significance, it was not attributable to rider error and therefore no further action was taken. Throughout the race, AEROVELOCITY travelled wide and without cover. A veterinary inspection of SMART MAN immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. AEROVELOCITY and SUPER JOCKEY were sent for sampling.